on the

main sponsor of board on the board

from the pitch to the boardroom Working together to usher in a new era of diversity at football’s top table contents 07

FOR the 20 Governance forum Elizabeth Muir

FOR the PFA Oshor Williams

Future Fusion Senior Editor Lee Hart Art Director Dermot Rushe 28 Contributing Editor Lee Hall Photography PA Photos, Click Jones, Joe Branston Commercial Manager 04 welcome 22 Surrey County FA Mike Vincent From Karl George MBE, creator of the The importance of ensuring your Effective Board Member programmes and organisation is fully representative of those On The Board is published on behalf of the PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor OBE. playing the game. Governance Forum and the Professional Footballers Association by Future Fusion, a division of Future Publishing THE FA Trident Ltd. Registered office: Quay House, The 07 23 Ambury, Bath, BA1 1UA. Companies/ Greg Dyke and Dame Heather Rabbatts The innovative housing provider has found individuals included in this publication does explain why the game’s governing body is numerous benefits in being an Effective not imply endorsement by the Governance firmly behind On The Board. Board Member supporter. Forum, the PFA or the Publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the consent of the PFA. 08 Ferdinand & Ramsey 24 johnny ertl Graduates Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey The ex-Portsmouth star and On The Board explain how On The Board has helped alumni is using the skills he’s learned on the them in their directorial roles at QPR. board of the Pompey Supporters’ Trust.

13 Nehemiah UCHA 27 lma & KPMG The Midlands-based housing association The League Managers Association and embraces good governance and diversity financial services leader KPMG – two varied and is an official sponsor of On The Board. sectors, both promoting diversity on boards. We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from well-managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. Future Publishing and its paper suppliers have been independently certified in accordance with the rules 14 Graduate profiles 28 ken monkou of the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®). Our proud roll call of the 51 graduates of A PFA Diversity and Equality Officer, Ken On The Board since the programme describes how On The Board can help you began in 2013. discover more about yourself.

20 Chris hughton 30 the pfa The Brighton boss on planning for life On The Board graduate and PFA Assistant away from the dugout and how the Director of Education Oshor Williams on the course has boosted his managerial skills. value of the progamme to PFA members.

THEPFA.COM 03 welcome

first met Karl George in 2013 when he and Michael Johnson approached me with the idea of running a governance programme for footballers and those connected to the sport. It was clear at that point that he was a leader in the field of governance, he was passionate about his field and that he genuinely wanted to help rectify the issue of a lack of diversity in the boardrooms and senior tiers of the sport. As Chief Executive at the PFA, I have seen this Iissue continue to challenge the game that I love and felt this should be another part of our equalities campaign for inclusion off the field as well as on. As the main sponsor of On The Board, the Effective Board Member programme for current and ex-footballers and those working in the sport, the PFA is demonstrating to the world that if you’ve had experience in the game you can bring that experience to the boardroom no matter what background you are from. Presently, the dugouts and sidelines of football do not represent the diversity on the pitch. Supporting our players to become competent and effective board members, coaches and managers and educating them about governance, ethics and decision-making will ensure the longevity of our reputation as one of the best footballing nations and players’ unions. Governance is not only about what we are doing now – it’s about the future.

Gordon Taylor OBE Chief Executive Professional Footballers’ Association – main sponsor of On The Board

04 EFFECTIVEBOARDMEMBER.CO.UK am delighted that I have the opportunity to work with the Professional Footballers’ Association, The FA and several organisations in promoting boardroom diversity within football through the delivery of On The Board. As one of a series of Effective Board Member programmes* and now entering its fourth year, On The Board is continuing to demonstrate that players can become valued contributors in the boardroom. The question of diversity on boards goes beyond Ithe sports sector – as reports such as ‘Women on Boards’, authored by Lord Davies in 2011 with its subsequent follow up reports, suggests. However, in sport and particularly in football, there is marked disparity between the number of BAME players on the “We are very proud to be working pitch and those who go on to be board members or senior coaches or managers within the top tiers. in association with EBM, delivering Having been a board member and served many organisations for a number of years, I have continually their programmes across the seen a lack of diversity in the place of influence, which is typically at the top of an organisation. This lack of Caribbean and thoroughly enjoy the diversity extends beyond ethnicity and reaches to many of the other protected characteristics, including delivery style and quality of teaching age and gender. from Karl George” In my opinion, recruitment for board members should be based on competency, skill and experience. Bruce Scott, Partner, PwC Jamaica Competent board members are the most valuable resource in any organisation. However, if we aren’t proactive in finding the talent that is prevalent in groups in National Governing Bodies of Sport. They football – or we neglect to nurture the next found that only 2% of chairs and those on their boards generation of leaders – unfortunately the were from BAME groups, with 3% being represented demographics of our current boards will not change in the executive decision-makers category. for the foreseeable future. In only three years, On The Board has achieved The recent high-profile coverage of governance success in the boardroom with examples such as Les failures at FIFA, in athletics and in tennis demonstrate Ferdinand, Nathan Blake, Michael Johnson and Johnny that there is a responsibility on us all to ensure that – Ertl being just the beginning of changing the face of from the smallest community club through to the boardrooms in football. highest tier – governance becomes an integral part of how football operates. One of the benefits of a diverse Karl George MBE board is the potential for challenge and scrutiny, Managing Director at The Governance Forum, which reduces the likelihood of groupthink and international governance consultant and creator passivity in the boardroom. of the Effective Board Member programmes Sporting Equals published their report ‘Who’s On Board, Evaluating Diversity in Sports Leadership’ to *More information about the Effective Board Member highlight the current position of people from BAME programmes can be found on page 2.

THEPFA.COM 05

The FA’s Greg Dyke and Heather Rabbatts are leading advocates of On The Board. T he FA: supporting On the Board

Greg Dyke and Heather Rabbatts on why the game’s governing body is behind On The Board

The Football Association has been a a closed system but opens itself up so CEO Caroline McRoyall: “Soye has been a supporter of the On The Board we can recruit the best possible talent.” member of the Surrey County FA since programme since its inception. Not only With 14 graduates appointed onto 2012, serving on our Equality Committee. has Wembley Stadium hosted the boards from the first two years of the We recognised his potential as a future previous two graduation ceremonies but course, and 65% director and FA Chairman Greg Dyke has of the overall nominated him demonstrated a keen personal interest in cohort gaining “Let’s use On The for On The Board. the programme, visiting students during board experience, We are delighted their hours at St George’s Park. participants are Board to ensure that after “If you look at the people who run having the finishing his football and sit on football-related opportunity to put football is no longer training he boards they are still overwhelmingly the theory of applied for a white and male,” said Dyke. “That has to corporate a closed system” position on our change and I believe On The Board will governance, legal board and I am help bring about that change.” liabilities and confident he will Another On The Board advocate at trustee responsibilities into action. make a significant contribution to the the top of The FA’s hierarchy is Dame progress of the county.” Heather Rabbatts: “The success of On benefitting from on the board The FA will continue to support The Board is about a collective Two County FAs benefiting from On The programmes like On The Board and responsibility, where we all accept that Board are Shropshire and Surrey, who others within the Effective Board we need to make a difference and then have co-opted Dave Regis and Soye Member family, in order to ensure that having the will to enact to make those Briggs respectively onto their boards. football is reaching the widest possible changes happen. “The On The Board scheme has helped talent pool of potential board members. “The On The Board programme is one me widen my skillset and equip me with of the steps. Let’s use it to ensure we the tools to make a positive contribution develop people like Chris Hughton and to board-level decisions,” said Regis. Les Ferdinand and others, to fight the Equally, Surrey FA have unearthed a battle in ensuring football is no longer real find in Soye Briggs, according to

THEPFA.COM 07 Case study: Les Ferdinand & Chris Ramsey

Meet two directors at QPR, a club that is bucking the trend of ‘male, pale and stale’ football governance

Les Ferdinand How does the Football Director and Technical What specific things did you learn? Role: Director relationship work? LF: The way boards operate and should do what they Football Director, QPR Chris Ramsey: Our relationship works well. Les deals say on the tin. That’s what boards are all about and On the Board with most of the first team stuff and is ultimately in most of them don’t do it. At QPR we haven’t got a big graduation: charge of me. I try to make sure everything outside board in terms of numbers as that is how decisions 2014 the first team doesn’t encroach on what he has to are made. It’s learning that, if you have a plan, you Playing career: deal with. We’re in daily contact most of the time. stick to it and should not get emotional. I’ve gone into Hayes, QPR, Newcastle Sometimes he has to be away flying or scouting, so an emotional board, you learn about that and how to United, Spurs, West he has to know the academy is in a safe pair of hands deal with that and what your role is. I’m seeing things I Ham, Leicester, Bolton and that executive decisions can be made without learned in the course coming to fruition. and England (17 caps) having to involve him. coaching career: CR: It gave me insight into how, at board level, it’s Spurs, QPR Les Ferdinand: Chris works with the under-21s level important you know what everyone else does and Born: down and I see the whole football club. I knew what also the political climate of how to change things in 8 December 1966 I was buying into when I brought Chris to the club. In the best interests of the club. It’s also realising some terms of developing players I’d put Dario Gradi up there people at a club won’t like change or will have self Chris Ramsey but other than that there are not many on the same interest at heart, rather than the club and the players. Role: page as Chris. My job is to bring in people who can I’ve been able to take that into my role even when I Technical Director, QPR improve the club and I certainly have that with Chris. was a manager and even more so now because I’m On the Board overseeing a much larger department. When things graduation: Why did you do the On The Board programme? are comfortable people don’t like to move on to the 2014 LF: I wanted to be a Football or Sporting Director so next level. Playing career: it was important for me to know how a board worked, Brighton & Hove what your role is on a board and what you oversee. Looking back to the move into the boardroom, Albion, Swindon Town, It gives you an understanding of the corporate side were you prepared for that step? Southend United rather than the playing side. LF: It was something I always wanted to do. When I coaching career: came out of football I did the applied management England U20 CR: I was wildly out of my comfort zone! I have an Charleston Battery, education degree and a sport science masters, so QPR understanding the ins and outs of how a board works Born: and the rationale of your fiduciary duties is really out “It’s important to know the 28 April 1962 of my comfort zone. But meeting the other people on political climate of how to the course with experience like Osh [Williams, PFA Assistant Director of Education] who you could look change things in the best up to and speak to about things you have never really considered was really good. interests of the club”

08 EFFECTIVEBOARDMEMBER.CO.UK the PFA | main sponsor of on the board

THEPFA.COM 09 “You get boards where people don’t look outside of where they have looked before”

course at Warwick to give me an idea of running Are QPR particularly committed to tackling BAMES football clubs rather than the coaching side. I’d done under-representation in football? my coaching badges but this was the other side of LF: The club owner is Malaysian. Would I have been football – the side supporters don’t see and understand. given this opportunity had he not been? I’m not so sure. It’s all about breaking down barriers and CR: As a manager, in effect you’re on a board as an someone has to pioneer. operations person at the very coalface. Sometimes you haven’t got the control you would want. You can The PFA are heavily involved in both On The Board voice your opinion but the factors that affect you are and helping players with transition. Did they support sometimes not in your control. you through the course? CR: Yes. Outstanding support. The fact they put Is it important to have diversity in football people in place and Gordon Taylor came and spoke at boardrooms? the first session meant everyone knew the PFA was CR: Yes, because sometimes you get boards with a there to help. There could be criticism of the PFA traditional membership where people don’t tend to doing this. Some people might say ‘why are they look outside where they have looked before. That isn’t doing it for these people and not others?’ It takes always down to racism. That is down to familiarity some bravery to say ‘we have looked at the boards with the type of people they’re comfortable with. and looked at creating pathways for people from But sometimes we understand there is an element of different backgrounds’. The PFA is not stereotyping racism that stops people getting jobs. and saying ‘get them into coaching’. The PFA understands football has many other jobs and not LF: We keep talking about racism in sport and where everyone is suited to coaching. you attack it from. It’s very difficult – when you’re the owner of a football club you obviously want people LF: The PFA do a fantastic job in supporting you trust, know or someone that buys into your club. education for players in different areas of football. I If you look through history it’s been male, it’s been was part of the pilot group that did the On The Board pale and it’s been stale for a long time. Unfortunately, course and now loads of players go on it. Even if they to try to get into those positions you look at people don’t go back into football and go into other doing the interview processes at board level and it’s businesses it gives them a great start in knowing what the same criteria. they are going to encounter in boardrooms.

10 EFFECTIVEBOARDMEMBER.CO.UK

nehemiah UCHA: supporting On the Board Nehemiah CEO Llewellyn Graham explains how boardroom diversity benefits everyone…

Midlands-based housing association Nehemiah UCHA is an services we provide and the work we do that our staff and organisation that embraces good governance and supports board reflect the diverse communities we serve. Building diversity – and has an excellent track record for both. communities, not simply houses, is something Nehemiah “We are pleased to support the EBM programme because UCHA has always worked towards.” we believe that both nurturing and recruiting the next Sitting on the housing association’s board are members generation of leaders from diverse from mixed ethnicity, including African, backgrounds is vital for any African-Caribbean, White European, organisation to both grow and be “It is important for Asian and Mixed Race backgrounds, successful in serving its diverse with a ratio of 45% female to 55% male customer base,” said Llewellyn Graham, organisations of all board members. Chief Executive of Nehemiah UCHA. “As one of the UK’s leading kinds and sectors to representing communities independent BAME housing associations, “Sadly our diverse boardroom is still not serving varied communities across the embrace diversity” commonplace,” says Llewellyn Graham. Midlands, we believe diversity in the “Currently, women make up just over boardroom makes all the difference 20% of board memberships in the FTSE between a successful organisation and one that gives rise for 100 companies and the target for 2015 was 25%. Our housing concerns,” continued Graham. “It is important that in the association far exceeds this level and is constantly adopting measures to ensure we fully represent the communities we serve. To keep the board modern and as diverse as possible we have a Board Recruitment, Review and Renewal Policy with a succession programme in place to ensure that the board – while being true to its core values – is continually refreshed.” Llewellyn Graham adds: “A McKinsey report found a correlation between diversity and business, showing that companies in the top quartile for diversity and with the highest proportion of women in the boardroom – out of the 180 companies studied in France, Germany, the UK and USA between 2008 and 2010 – had 53% higher equity returns than those in the lowest quartile. “This, together with the findings from our own experience, helps to highlight how important it is for organisations of all kinds and sectors to embrace diversity.” To find out more about Nehemiah UCHA and its range of services visit us online at nehemiah-ucha.co.uk

THEPFA.COM 13 on the board graduates 51 graduates across three cohorts – here’s our proud roll call of On The Board success

Cohort 1 – 2013/14

CHRIS RAMSEY JASON ROBERTS MBE Currently the Technical Director at QPR, A former player with the likes of Blackburn Chris has extensive experience as a player and Reading, in 2007 he established the and football professional. Having Jason Roberts Foundation, which seeks to previously managed QPR, coached the improve the lives of youngsters through England under 21 team and the first team sport. In 2011, Jason co-hosted the biggest at Tottenham Hotspur and with a history phone in on radio with BBC 606 – the first of coaching in the USA and Malta, Chris Premier League player to do so while still has demonstrated that it is possible to be being a current player – and has become a a success in both the world of sport and regular contributor in the media, including the academic world – his academic Match of the Day. He has also hosted achievements to date include gaining two Sports World Have Your Say on BBC undergraduate degrees as well as World Service. In 2009, Jason was graduating from the On The Board course. awarded an MBE for services to sport.

Marvin MICHAEL JOHNSON JAMIE BUNCH Robinson A UEFA Pro Skilled in Following a career licenced coach, negotiating and in football, Marvin is Michael has held a developing now CEO of The variety of coaching partnerships with HAUSOFGENIUS, a positions and has public, private and global brand also appeared as a voluntary collective that blurs pundit on Sky organisations, the lines between Sports and the Jamie has extensive fashion, art, commerce and technology. His BBC. Michael is a current member of the knowledge of grassroots and professional company was voted in the top 100 high Football Inclusion Advisory Board, who football development along with potential start-up companies in the UK by report to the FA on all issues surrounding experience in growing a successful INTUIT and the Department for Business, inclusion in the game, and has recently business operation in wider sporting Innovation and Skills in 2012. joined the LMA Leadership Board. developments.

LEON MANN DARREN MOORE With over 10 years’ A UEFA A licenced coach with over 20 experience working years’ playing and coaching experience in sport and media, gained from some of the country’s top Leon is a sports clubs, Darren is strongly committed to consultant, staff development and achieving interviewer and excellence. He has successfully transferred filmmaker. Having the experiences and skills he gained as a begun his career as professional player into his current role as a spokesperson for Kick It Out and a regional coach with the PFA and is a Football Against Racism, Leon founded member of the board at the Kaleidoscope the Black Collective of Media in Sport Plus Group. Outside of football, Darren has (BCOMS), having already co-founded The been heavily involved with charity work Football Black List in 2008. with clubs in the community.

14 EFFECTIVEBOARDMEMBER.CO.UK All profiles correct at the time of graduation. the PFA | main sponsor of on the board

IFEM ONUORA NATHAN BLAKE Ifem’s career highs When he finished playing in 2006, Nathan have been based became Company Director at Footprints on a desire for Sports Management Ltd. – a mentoring continual organisation developing young sporting self-improvement. professionals. He also worked in the media Equally for the likes of the BBC and Sky Sports. comfortable Nathan is an ambassador for StreetGames, working in a a sports charity that changes lives by corporate environment and an active, supporting a network of projects designed outside environment, he retains a restless to give opportunities to young people in search to be socially useful and make a disadvantaged communities across the UK. significant contribution – as he has Nathan has recently joined the board of recently in his work for Kick It Out. Newport County FC.

Ian Taylor TAFF RAHMAN Best known for his time at Aston Villa, Ian A former young Taylor had a 15-year career in the Football player at Arsenal, League and Premier League, making over Taff is now a coach 450 league appearances. Ian is now and holds the UEFA co-owner of Stadia Sports and Lifestyle, A licence. He is one an organisation aiming to join the dots of the very few between sports, music, media and people from an business. He is also the owner of iTAudio7, Asian background who create innovative audio products and involved in the professional game. A products specifically for sports people. An leading figurehead in the community, he occasional football pundit for AVTV, in has operated as senior youth worker and February 2011 Taylor rejoined Villa after now serves as committee member for his being appointed club ambassador. local league.

DAVID REGIS Oshor Williams One of the first As PFA Assistant Director of Education, ex-players to be Oshor’s role is to ensure that current and appointed Head of former members have access to as many Education at a education and training opportunities as football academy, possible in preparation for life after football. Dave implemented As a programme graduate he coordinates an education PFA support for On The Board students programme at throughout the course. He sits on the Charlton, teaching young players Executive Committee of the General important life skills. Since 2011 he has been Federation of Trade Unions, the FIFPro working with the Football League Education Committee and as Chair of the Academies supporting and advising on Steering Group is a driving force behind the the implementation of the EPPP standards. PFA ‘Achievement through Sport’ project.

LES FERDINAND MBE DAVE BARNETT The Football Director at QPR, responsible Dave played for a for all football matters at the club, Les number of teams enjoyed a star-studded career as a striker throughout his for the likes of QPR, Newcastle, Spurs and 20-year football England. After hanging up his boots Les career. He has also gained a number of qualifications including worked as a coach, a certificate in Applied Management with including at the the LMA as well as his coaching badges – Birmingham City which led to him working as the first team Academy. Dave has a passion to help and coach at Spurs and then assistant support the upcoming generation of manager. Les has also been involved in a footballers and encourages them to number of charitable projects and is an develop a range of skills that will sustain

: CLICK JONES P HOTO ambassador for Cancer Research UK. their career after they leave the pitch.

THEPFA.COM 15 Cohort 2 – 2014/15

JOHANNES ‘JOHNNY’ ERTL SOYE BRIGGS A former Austrian international, Johnny Previously the Ertl arrived in English football in 2008 with Director of Crystal Palace and went on to play for Community Sheffield United and, most famously, Development at Portsmouth where he was club captain Crystal Palace’s and won the Player of the Year award in Foundation and the 2012/2013. Johnny has built a broad Head of Operations skillset within football through contributions and Social Inclusion across multiple aspects of club operations Manager at Fulham FC’s Foundation, Soye as well as outside business interests. He also chaired the Race and Religion has an MA in General Management and is Equalities subgroup and has now been currently working on the board of the elected onto the board as a Director of Pompey Supporters’ Trust. Surrey County FA.

JASON BROWN RAUF MIRZA BRIAN MCGORRY A UEFA qualified Rauf is an Brian has set up outfield and experienced sales, several businesses goalkeeping coach, marketing and within education Jason has made management and sport, worked the successful professional with as a Further transition from a wide commercial Education and playing career to experience, ranging Higher Education engaging with the from blue chip lecturer as well as next generation of talent. Currently, Jason companies to community enterprises. He being a full and part-time professional is coaching with several clubs including has worked as a consultant with the FA footballer for 19 years. Brian has a Sport Arsenal Ladies, Millwall FC’s academy, and has set up community development Science degree, a UEFA A licence, and has Wales youth squads and has his own projects covering business, education and taught on behalf of charities to help goalkeeping clinic. sports for BAME communities. people back into work.

HANNAH DINGLEY NATHAN TALBOTT MARCUS GAYLE A Senior Lecturer in Nathan qualified as Following a career Sports Coaching a solicitor in 2010 in professional Practice at The after retiring from football spanning University of professional football over 25 years – Wolverhampton, at the age of 21. He most famously Hannah has worked presents on integrity playing for as a football coach and disciplinary Brentford, and coach educator matters to sporting Wimbledon, and is one of a small number of female governing bodies and specialises in Watford and Jamaica in the 1998 World coaches who hold a UEFA A licence. She Commercial Litigation and Sports Disputes. Cup – Marcus worked as a media guest has also worked with Tackle Africa running He looks forward to helping organisations and analyst and recently managed the projects that use football as a vehicle to by combining his legal experience with his first team at Staines Town FC. He is now educate young people about HIV and AIDS. corporate governance knowledge. working with Berks & Bucks FA.

TROY TOWNSEND UGO EHIOGU The Education and Ugo had a very successful career as a Development professional footballer in both the English Manager for Kick It and Scottish Premier Leagues and as an Out, Troy specialises international. After successfully completing in equality and parts one and two of his UEFA A licence, diversity workshop he has coached the England U20s and the delivery and is a Under 21 team in the Tottenham academy. UEFA B qualified Ugo has several business interests and has coach – having founded the S&T Academy supported various charities including to provide specialist football coaching to World Vision and the Bobby Moore fund. young people from deprived backgrounds. He is keen to continue to develop his Troy was named as of one of the FA’s 150 coaching techniques and knowledge as Grassroots Heroes. well as his media and business skills.

16 EFFECTIVEBOARDMEMBER.CO.UK All profiles correct at the time of graduation. the PFA | main sponsor of on the board

TERRY ANGUS CHRIS HUGHTON A Community Currently managing Brighton and Hove Equalities Executive Albion, Chris has a glittering CV with with the PFA, Terry experience of playing, managing and is an experienced coaching at Premier, Championship, and Youth Justice and international level with great success. He Social Inclusion holds football coaching qualifications, a practitioner and Certificate of Applied Management in co-founded the Football and is a qualified lift engineer! ARTS4LEARNING programme. Terry is an An ambassador for Show Racism the Red active community member volunteering Card and Kick it Out, he has organised his time to help young people and seniors many charity events and received a and offering sports coaching to young citation from the UN for his involvement football groups within the community. in the anti-apartheid movement.

JASON LEE STEVE BROWN Jason is an experienced Equalities Assistant Head of Executive in education at the PFA. He has Talent Identification delivered a number of community projects at the FA, Steve for Nottingham Forest, working with had a professional apprenticeships and scholarships, football career for mentoring young people and helping over 15 years them to find direction. After a long and before moving into successful playing career that lasted into coaching. He was his 40s, he also had a spell in Academy Manager at QPR before venturing management with Boston United. Jason into player recruitment for Everton and is an active member of the community Adidas. In 2012 he was appointed as an and regularly gives time to offer support EPPP Auditor tasked with auditing clubs in for various charities. the Premier and Football Leagues.

RIZ REHMAN DAVID JOHNSON DARRYL POWELL A former young With a varied Darryl had a professional career in football, professional footballer player including playing in football career that with Brentford, Riz the Premier League, spanned 17 years is part of the PFA David retired from playing in the top Education the game in 2007 two tiers of the Department and following injury. English game and works on the Since then he has represented Achievement through Sport programme. coached the U14s Academy at Nottingham Jamaica internationally. Darryl founded He has a 1st Class Honours degree in Sport Forest and qualified as a personal trainer Paramount Sports Management in 2006 Science and the FA Level 2 and UEFA B and a UEFA B licenced coach. David has after qualifying as an FA Licensed Agent. qualifications. He is currently a director for also worked for Umbro as a recruitment His core business is contract negotiation the Zesh Rehman Foundation. manager and has several business interests. on behalf of players and player placement.

KEN MONKOU BEN PURKISS Having played professionally in the A professional Netherlands, Ken played for Chelsea and footballer with Port Southampton in English football. Currently Vale and a member working for the PFA as an Equality and of the PFA Diversity Officer, Ken set up and launched Management the quarterly magazine Football Life – a Committee, Ben is magazine focused on not only football but a graduate in Law topical sports, business and lifestyle items, and French and is managing the creative team throughout the co-founder of soccertactics.com. Ben the concept and production processes. won the Community Player of the Year Ken was inducted into the Show Racism award in 2014 and in December 2014 the Red Card Hall of Fame at the 15th became a member of the board at the

: CLICK JONES P HOTO anniversary event in 2011. Kaleidoscope Plus Group.

THEPFA.COM 17 Cohort 3 – 2015/16

Dele Adebola Noel Blake Recently retired Previously a National Coach for the FA for following a playing seven years, Noel now has his own career spanning 20 consulting company supporting players years for clubs like with lifestyle and behaviour and he also Crewe, Birmingham consults within the Premier League. He City and Crystal played football professionally with clubs Palace, since such as Leeds, Birmingham City and Aston hanging up his Villa and one of Noel’s key achievements boots Dele has involved himself in a was being captain at a number of the number of community projects. He clubs he represented. He has acquired currently coaches U18s for Birmingham several qualifications including a UEFA Pro City Community Department and U14s at licence and a BA (Hons) in Professional West Brom academy. Studies in Education.

James Chambers Adnan Ahmed James retired from football in 2015 to As the Managing focus on being the business owner of My Director of his own Farewell. He played for clubs including company, Adan has Walsall, Leicester City and West Bromwich demonstrated Albion and has a number of academic and vision and drive in football-related qualifications such as his establishing himself UEFA B licence and served on the PFA in business after Management Committee during his time at playing football for Doncaster Rovers. James has worked with a number of clubs including Huddersfield Ambassadors In Sport, volunteering in Town and Tranmere Rovers. Adnan is South Africa in prisons, townships and active in his local community and has been orphanages. He has also been a player called upon to present awards on behalf of ambassador for Kick It Out. third sector groups.

Matthew Martin Jon Gittens Alexander Carruthers Currently working Matt was recently Martin is the Head for The FA as appointed CEO at of Football and National Coach Notts County Development at Developer for Women’s FC having Central College. He London, Jon has worked as an has also worked as completed several advisor at the club an Education FA and UEFA for a number of Officer at Notts qualifications and years. Prior to this he had roles as an FA County Football in the Community, is a UEFA A and B Licence Qualified Tutor. Licenced Agent and in player recruitment. progressing to Education Manager prior In addition to his football-related His work in talent management and to leaving to undertake his current role. qualifications, Jon has an FdSc degree in scouting has lead to him building an Martin also runs the successful semi-pro Coach and Athlete Development and a extensive network of contacts in football. non-league club Basford Utd. Certificate in Teaching.

Mark Jules Brian Deane Mark currently Brian currently works at Sheffield United works for the PFA in a coaching and mentoring role at their as a Coach academy, in addition to undertaking Educator with European scouting for the club. During a responsibility for 20-year playing career he played for a equality. Prior to number of clubs at Premier and this Mark was the Championship levels, including Leeds and Head of Coaching Sheffield United, and also represented at Chesterfield where he worked alongside England. Between 2012 and 2014 he the board on many occasions. Mark has a managed Sarpsborg 08 FF, a Norwegian degree in Sport Science, which Premiership Team who finished the 2014 complements his several FA qualifications season in eighth place. He is a proud including his A and B coaching licences. ambassador for The Princes Trust.

18 EFFECTIVEBOARDMEMBER.CO.UK All profiles correct at the time of graduation. the PFA | main sponsor of on the board

Jason Euell Chris Freestone Jason is the U21 Coach at Charlton Chris is the National Athletic. His career saw him play for a Coach Development number of clubs including Wimbledon, Manager at the Middlesbrough and Southampton in Football League addition to the club where he now holds a Trust. He is a patron coaching position. Jason is currently Lead for Show Racism Mentor for The Aspiration & Pathway the Red Card and Programme (Sports Division) for Cre8ing has been involved Vision. An ambassador for Kick it Out and in a number of community projects, such as a Patron for Show Racism the Red Card, working with schools to offer soccer camps. Jason has his UEFA A and B licences as He holds a UEFA A licence, has passed FA well as having completed FA Youth Award Youth Award modules 1, 2 and 3 and has a and Modules 1, 2 and 3. National Diploma in Fitness and Nutrition.

Darren Kenton Hanna Newton After retiring from Hanna is an equality representative on the football due to Management Committee at Surrey FA. Her injury, Darren role includes ensuring the standards of pursued a career in grassroots football and governance within fitness. In addition the sector remain high. She has a to working as a professional background in administration fully-qualified and business support and has previously personal trainer, held several board appointments. Her Darren is currently completing a series of current role sees her as an ambassador for FA and UEFA qualifications. His football Surrey FA and Hanna is working towards career was played at a number of clubs completing a degree in Business including Norwich, Southampton, Management (Sport and Football). She Leicester and Leeds. has multiple FA qualifications.

Will Antwi Lauren At present, Will is a coach at the O’Sullivan Tottenham Hotspur academy. He has Lauren is the played professionally both in the UK and National Football in Sweden for teams such as Crystal Development Palace and AFC Wimbledon. Will has a Manager at AoC number of qualifications including an LMA Sport. With an Management Diploma, UEFA A and B extensive career in licences and has completed levels 1, 2 and education and 3 of The FA’s Youth module. His development in football, Lauren is a community work extends to his qualified mentor, tutor and coach. She has consultancy for grassroots issues in the a degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences London area and he is a committee and in 2012 was appointed The FA’s Chair member and ambassador for Kick It Out. of National Game Youth Council.

Martin Paul Robinson O’Connor Currently playing for AFC Wimbledon, Martin is Director of before that Paul spent 16 years at Millwall, Education at captaining the team for eight of these MOCEFA Football years and also undertaking a substantial Academy. He about of work for the club’s community played for various scheme. His work led to him being clubs for 18 years, recognised as Community Player of the also representing Year on two occasions and he was a firm the Cayman Islands. Martin has fan favourite having started out at Millwall management experience having been as a trainee. Paul was also the Assistant Manager at Walsall. He also PFA representative for his colleagues at worked for Birmingham City’s Community Millwall, another demonstration of his

: CLICK JONES P HOTO Development Programme. proven strength in leadership.

THEPFA.COM 19 20 EFFECTIVEBOARDMEMBER.CO.UK the PFA | main sponsor of on the board

Case study: Chris Hughton

The Brighton boss – and On The Board Cohort 2 graduate – on planning for life after the dugout and boosting his managerial skills

Role: Why did you sign up for the On The Board the boardroom quite regularly… Manager, Brighton programme? You’re right, it just doesn’t happen. There might be a & Hove Albion My role as a football manager has a lifespan that goes handful of ex-players that are on boards. Normally On the Board with it. What interests me is the possibility – once I’m they went into management and then on from there. graduation: not managing, coaching or scouting anymore – of If you look at the make up of traditional football 2015 being involved in the administrative side of the game. boards, they were very family-oriented before and Playing career: became very businesslike with a lot of foreign Spurs, West Ham, What did you learn from it? investors making up boards. It’s something I see Brentford and It was an eye-opener about the roles and changing but not dramatically. In coming years I don’t Republic of Ireland responsibilities of being on a board – that was the see there being a vast number of ex-football people (53 caps) biggest thing. If you have a board above you, it’s an employed on the boards of football clubs. It would be coaching career: appreciation of what they do and gives you a bit a good thing, there’s no doubt about that. Tottenham Hotspur, more of an insight. It certainly makes you pay more Newcastle United, attention to conversations you have with your Is this programme, which aims partly to tackle Birmingham City, chairman or CEO. It really helps to have that under-representation, important for football? Norwich City understanding about what they do. I think it is. At the moment there is an enthusiasm Born: from stakeholders to see more representation in the 11 December 1958 What makes the programme different to other game. Certainly a lot more black and ethnic coaches courses you’ve done? are involved at academy and scholar level. Once we It deals with a role that isn’t just football or start going up into senior squads and the Premier sport-specific. It’s the first course of that nature I’ve League there’s no doubt there is an under- been on. It’s very interesting that it’s not necessarily representation. I genuinely feel there is an enthusiasm leading towards a full-time role but roles you can do to change that. How quickly that will come, I don’t in conjunction with jobs as a manager, coach or if know. A big part of that isn’t coaches and managers, you’re involved in scouting. it’s other aspects of the game – sport science, analytics, senior roles and absolutely that can also be Football seems to differ from other industries where at board level. people are promoted from the operational side to What would you say to others thinking about taking part in On The Board? It’s absolutely something I would recommend. I “Once we start going up thoroughly enjoyed it. The work was tough – into the Premier League particularly fitting it in around other things. For half the course I wasn’t working and for half I was a there’s no doubt there is manager. It was tough to do all the work but I enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. I completed the course and at an under-representation” some stage I would like to revisit it.

THEPFA.COM 21 Equality in the grassroots game Surrey FA Chief Executive Caroline McRoyall on the importance of ensuring your organisation is representative of those playing the game

he Surrey County Football Association looks important that the decisions we make for football in Left to right: Les after grassroots football in Surrey. We cover 15 Surrey are right for the game. As such we want to Pharo, Surrey FA Chair, Tlocal authorities and have over 4,000 teams ensure our Staff, Board and County Members are Soye Briggs, Surrey registered, 800 clubs and 49 leagues/competitions. representative of those playing the game. FA Director and On This includes all formats of football from youth to We were the first County FA to achieve the The Board graduate, Caroline McRoyall, adults (including veterans), for male and female Preliminary Level of the Equality Standard for Sport Surrey FA CEO. players and those with disabilities. We also provide and as part of the process we reviewed our structures opportunities to play recreational forms of the game, to enable us to increase diversity across the such as ‘walking football’, for over those aged over 55. organisation and ensure we have the right skills and We govern the game by sanctioning leagues, experience leading the association. ensuring they adhere to the FA rules and regulations. We provide training and CPD sessions for volunteers, improving governance coaches and referees and develop the game by We support the Effective Board Member programmes supporting new clubs to set up and advise on funding as they provide essential training for individuals on including facility development. corporate governance. We have supported two of We are a ‘not for profit’ organisation with 21 staff our County Members to attend On The Board training governed by a voluntary board of 11 directors. We are and were delighted when the first of these graduates also supported by over 60 voluntary County Members, Soye Briggs applied for a board position and was who help us by attending matches to observe clubs, elected in July 2015 (pictured above). Most recently sitting as commission members on discipline panels or our Chairman Les Pharo and I attended the Lead The running one of our 23 County Cup Finals. Board programme to enhance our understanding of Our mission statement is ‘Leading the development corporate governance and learn from best practice of grassroots football in Surrey ensuring participation examples on how to improve the governance of our and enjoyment of football by everyone’ and it is organisation further.

22 EFFECTIVEBOARDMEMBER.CO.UK Abigail Robson, Chair of the Trident Social Investment Group, is a graduate of the Lead the Board EBM programme. T rident: supporting On the Board

The housing provider has found numerous benefits in Effective Board Member sponsorship…

The Trident Social Investment Group is contributing in their own unique way to programme designed for women in an innovative housing provider managing the challenges facing the Group, and the senior leadership. Ann Rivera the Group’s and providing homes to 6,000 people environment within which we operate. Director of Organisational Development across the Midlands, many of whom are Trident has seen tangible benefits to also completed Lead The Board and the most vulnerable. The Group sponsoring the continues to apply incorporates housing associations, Effective Board the knowledge charities and social enterprises and Member (EBM) “Trident has seen gained to impact serves disadvantaged neighbourhoods programmes. Being change across – ensuring that no communities are left involved has allowed tangible benefits the Group. behind with the aim of providing hope in the Group to attract With only 4 in the Age of Austerity and beyond. young leaders and to sponsoring the 10 housing The Group believes that good develop members associations governance means developing the of our existing EBM programmes” reporting to have capacity and capability of the governing senior leadership female leaders, body to be effective. Ensuring that we team. On The Board our commitment have competent boards across the graduates have taken their place on our to ensuring that our board is diverse is Group requires a clear recruitment, boards and it’s clear that the course gave demonstrated by representation in this induction and development strategy for them the competence to be able to area – recognising the benefits this our board members. This is underpinned contribute to governance across our brings to our organisation, while with a robust succession strategy that Group and other organisations. welcoming and valuing their expertise. considers the skills, experience and For more information about Trident diversity of our boards. WOMEN ON BOARDS Social Investment Group and joining our Our Corporate Plan seeks to position Furthermore, we value the impact of board visit us online at trident-ha.org.uk. the Group at the forefront of tackling women on our boards and committees social and financial exclusion, and how this can aid the active promotion disadvantage and issues of social justice. of their development. The current Chair We can only do this by having a diverse of the Group Board, Abigail Robson group of board members each completed Lead The Board, the EBM

THEPFA.COM 23 Case study: johnny ertl Meet the ex-Pompey star who swapped the bootroom for the club’s fan-run boardroom

Role: What drew you to the On The Board programme? are successful and climb up the leagues to where we Board member, I was always fascinated by what was going on behind belong. We are a big fish in a small pond in League Pompey Supporters’ the scenes in a football club. I wanted to see a Two. A club with this fan base and size belongs in Trust different perspective – what the decision-makers were the Championship. On the Board doing. When I did the course I was still a player and it graduation: helped me a lot. I was asked to join the Supporters’ Is the ultimate aim to return the club to the heights 2015 Trust so I stood for election and they voted me in. It’s of the Premier League? Playing career: really helped me to understand what is required and I think this is a dream. You have to be realistic. We are Sturm Graz, Austria to put the theory I learned into practice. a community club. With our current model dreams Wien, Crystal Palace, can come true but we are working on a strategic plan Sheffield United, But this wasn’t your first step into boardroom to get to League One. We have the financial stability Portsmouth and education… to compete in League One. When we come to the Austria (7 caps) I completed a Masters in Business Administration in Championship we are looking for a future investment Born: 2013 and I wrote about Portsmouth as a case study model. The fans always come first. In every single part 13 November 1982 because the club went through a very difficult of the business – even ticket prices – the fans are financial time. involved. With big clubs it just becomes an owner from abroad. I came from abroad but owners may Did the PFA support you through the courses? change things like at Cardiff. At the end the fans suffer The PFA helped me through my MBA and the On The because they grew up with Cardiff blue and they need Board corporate governance course. I’m really to change their living room because it was blue and it grateful. I think the PFA are absolutely fantastic. You becomes red! can’t compare them to any other football institution. What did you learn from the course that has really What do you do on the Supporters’ Trust board? helped in your current role? I represent the board in public. We work on Organisation is the key. Organisation and preparation. everything from increasing membership to finding sustainable investment models and the stadium – are Would you recommend the course? we going to keep Fratton Park or get a new ground? Yes, very much. I actually recommended it to a friend We also work closely with the community. who played with me at Portsmouth – Paul Robinson. He has completed the course now. Does the fact that the club is fan owned change how things work? It makes a difference because we are quite unique. We are the biggest community club in England. We “I wanted to see a different have to look at what is best for the club to really perspective – what the protect our heritage because we don’t want somebody to come in and for us to become decision makers were doing. Portsmouth Tigers in three years. We also look at how we can increase investment into the club so we The course helped me a lot”

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THEPFA.COM 25

the PFA | main sponsor of on the board

Diversity in the financial services sector

An inclusive culture is critical for businesses to thrive and grow. It provides the ability to promote the best talent without bias, which leads to better retention of staff and an environment where people are confident to leverage their different perspectives, connections and ideas for the benefit of the organisation. At KPMG we encourage our staff to be able to bring their whole selves to The League work, which in turn empowers them to have the confidence to be more engaged with the business and challenge themselves to always Managers produce for the best outcomes. Of course, this is the kind of language and behaviour that is well practised in the world of sport. Association But this is more than words. In 2014 KPMG became the first professional services firm to publish dedicated Discover how On The Board graduate Michael Johnson is three-year diversity targets across the areas of gender, ethnicity, disability and utilising his skills on the LMA Leadership Advisory Board sexual orientation, which are used as a benchmark against which we recruit and develop our workforce. The LMA is the join the LMA Leadership Advisory Having diversity at every level, representative Board. This gave him a platform to including the board, is essential for a association of the utilise the skills he had learnt and offer thriving business. managers, past and his insights into making improvements present, of the 92 to the LMA’s Leadership programme – football league thus helping to shape its future clubs. As a member educational programme. organisation, the LMA is committed good governance to providing equal The example Michael has set is what opportunities for all in order to achieve the encourages the LMA to engage and best possible outcome for its members. support Effective Board Member The LMA has witnessed first-hand the programmes. It also demonstrates why positive impact a diverse board can have diversity at board level is vital in on its governance and strategic leadership, ensuring a representative and varied as both the LMA Executive Board, with approach to good governance and 50% female representation, and the LMA’s ethical practice. The LMA is continually Leadership Advisory Board benefit from a looking at ways in which it can diverse boardroom. promote, educate and facilitate Michael Johnson (pictured above), a initiatives in support of Football’s member of the Professional Football Inclusion and Anti-Discimination Action. Coaches Association – the LMA’s sister association – graduated from the LMA Diploma in Football Management in June 2015. After completing the On The Board programme, the LMA invited Michael to

THEPFA.COM 27 Case study: ken monkou

The PFA Diversity and Equality Officer talks confidence, integrity and finding out about yourself through On The Board

Role: How did you hear about On The Board? a few months ago he said, “Ken I’ve been approached, PFA Diversity and I was recommended by the PFA to participate and what’s it like?” I said, “Just do it.” That’s exactly how Equality Officer when I found out what it entailed and about The Darren Moore approached me and said, “Ken, you’re On the Board Governance Forum, I loved it and it was exactly what thinking about participating in EBM. Don’t even think graduation: I needed as a person. Because I’ve been out there in about it, do it, you’ll love it.” And it’s so true. That’s 2015 the real world sort of burning my fingers and actually what I would say, don’t even think about it. Dive in. Playing career: finding out what it takes to run a business You are in good hands. Feyenoord, Chelsea, successfully and properly, with integrity, it was ideal. Southampton, Why do you think the programme is important for Huddersfield Town Why did you think it was important to take part in football and sport in general? Born: the programme? It comes down to knowledge. By going on this 29 November 1964 I’m a person that’s like a sponge – I like to learn, meet programme it gives you the knowledge and other people, because that’s how you find out about understanding because governance is everywhere – yourself and how you find out about other people. at home, your local sports team, the club, everywhere And of course it’s knowledge, it’s skills, it’s tools that you look is governance. It teaches you how to you can actually put out in the real world, that’s why I communicate, how to go about things with integrity, wanted to come and participate. about running a business and all the different facets of it. The understanding and the tools are invaluable in What were the three main things you learned and the real world. It definitely has an impact on football how have you applied them? because football has a certain stigma but if you look Communication, openness, integrity. These are the key at the guys that did the course, people will be things I got out of it. I’ve learned the hard way in the surprised how intelligent quite a few of these football real world that you need the foundation to understand players are – and people associated with football and governance, and that’s what we were taught. in sports in general. I think they have the right ingredients because as a football player or sports Have you had the opportunity to sit on, or observe person you need to have discipline, focus and drive. a board? Also you will be humbled as you won’t have Not yet, I’ve been asked a couple of times to come everything done your way. You have to communicate and sit on boards but because of the logistics, where and be part of a team, these are the things I’m based and also the timing with all the stuff I was governance teaches you and gives you the confidence doing it didn’t work out. But I’m definitely going to be to go out there and put these things into practice. sitting on a few in the next couple of months. That’s why I think the programme’s fantastic and it’s good for football and sport and life in general. What was your favourite thing about the programme? Seeing people come out of their shell. Because I’m What are your thoughts on boardroom diversity in one of those guys that comes across very confident football and how do you think the programme is and speaks quite easily, people don’t believe it when I helping to tackle that? say I’m quite shy. But I think the course taught us to Things won’t change if you don’t change the top. It’s find out about ourselves and gave us the confidence the people at the top making the decisions. That’s to have the knowledge and use the knowledge and why I always said I didn’t want to become a coach or the tools to go out there. a manager, because I knew there are only certain vacancies available anyway but there’s a lot of other What would you say to others who are thinking jobs you can apply for and it depends on the people about applying for On The Board? at the top who have the power to make things Don’t hesitate – join! I’ve spoken already to Brian happen. So if you don’t change things at the top Deane, he is one of my friends, when he spoke to me you’ll never have enough diversity or equality.

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“If you don’t change things at the top you’ll never have enough equality or diversity” : CLICK JONES P HOTO

THEPFA.COM 29 T he PFA: supporting On the Board

PFA Assistant Director of Education Oshor Williams on the value of the course to PFA members

When PFA Chief Executive Gordon PFA colleague Jason Lee and fellow have provided opportunities for Taylor pledged support for the first On graduate Michael Johnson for providing members to develop their governance the Board pilot programme in 2013, he advice and guidance, sometimes on a experience through such appointments suggested that I undertake the one-to-one basis, to this year’s cohort. and board observations. This is vital if we programme as this would enable me to I would also like to are going to reap evaluate the value and impact of the thank another the rewards of initiative. As I took my place with the 14 former graduate “Preparing our the excellent other candidates comprising the first Nathan Talbott for training they cohort, I wondered whether it would be hosting study members for future experience on possible to deliver on the aims and sessions the On The Board objectives outlined by Karl in his opening – demonstrating board and committee programme address. Six months later, having the ongoing under Karl’s experienced Karl’s innovative delivery relationship with representation” tutelage. methods, I was left in no doubt about the programme As a player it the effectiveness of the programme in that participants is not sufficient preparing our members for future board maintain even after completion. to merely train on a daily basis, it is also and committee representation. essential to gain match experience to Following the positive impact of the WORK STILL TO BE DONE apply skills to realistic situations and to pilot we have continued our support as The benefits of creating diverse boards be effective on the pitch. So it is with the main sponsor of On the Board and it are very clear. However, there is work to corporate governance and the PFA will is hard to believe that 44 PFA members do in all sectors in maximising this continue to seek more opportunities for have already graduated from the potential and addressing some of the our members to hone their skills and programme – with many progressing gaps in age, gender and ethnicity. truly become Effective Board Members. into areas of board and committee There is also more work to be done in representation. Our support also progressing our graduates into incorporates mentoring and study boardroom and committee support for candidates throughout the representation and we at the PFA are programme and my thanks go to my grateful to all those organisations who

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